[PARTNER] GFN Launches SangDiwa 2015: First Annual Global Arts Forum and Exhibition

Global Filipino Network (GFN), in partnership with the San Francisco Philippine Consulate and Philippine American Writers and Artists, Inc. (PAWA) presents “SangDiwa 2015” from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at Kalayaan Hall, SF Philippine Consulate, 447 Sutter Street, San Francisco, California. The event is part of KalayaanSF’s series of events during the month of June to commemorate and celebrate the anniversary of Philippine Independence, which occurred on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite, Philippines.

SangDiwa” was coined from the phrase “Isang Diwa” which literally means one spirit and figuratively “One Voice”. It is an annual event that is part of GFN’s Arts and Culture program.

An all-day art exhibition by various awarding-winning artists will include Artery Press, Eliza Barrios, Laga Weaving Circle, Sidney Snoeck, photojournalist of Project Pearls; Patis Tesoro; Marconi Calindas; Kristian Kabuay, Bayani Art; and the Hinabi Project.

“Our vision is to make this as one of the biggest yearly events focusing on Filipino Arts and Culture education,” says Arnold Pedrigal, President and Founder of Global Filipino Network. “This year we are expecting attendance from a number of university and art organizations as well as city officials and Fil-Am community leaders in the Bay Area.”, Pedrigal added.

The morning session comprises art demonstration of various artists: Bernadette Martinez who will talk about Printmaking, Kristian Kabuay on Baybayin Art, and Holly Calica to talk about the art of Laga.

Patis Tesoro (Photo courtesy of Patis Tesoro Boutique)

Patis Tesoro (Photo courtesy of Patis Tesoro Boutique)

The event’s Keynote Speaker is Beatriz “Patis” Tesoro, an icon of fashion in the Philippines known for her creative and classic designs using indigenous Filipino materials like Abaca, Abel Tiniri, Mindanao Silk and Piña (extract fiber from pineapple leaves). At SangDiwa, Tesoro will be talking about the process of Piña from planting to finished product and her experiences on designing dresses with this material.

The distinguished speakers who will be in the two(2) panel discussions in the afternoon session include: best-selling author Geraldine Solon; award-winning visual artist Marconi Calindas; Baybayin advocate Kristian Kabuay; interdisciplinary artist Eliza Barrios; film-maker Peggy Peralta; writer Edwin Lozada; Laga weaving artist Jenny Young; and fashion designer Anthony Cruz Legarda who will also talk about the The Hinabi Project.

In addition to art exhibition and panel sessions, SangDiwa also incorporates performances by some of the Bay Area’s musical performers including: Monicalaire Mendoza, one of the Top 40 finalists in American Idol 2015; Maddie Bartolome, Pink Harmony, The Harmonix Duo, and Mika Gorospe. The winner of the Filipino Youth Coalition (FYC) “Battle of the Tribes” competition will be performing at the event.

Culminating the day’s celebration of the arts will be a Fashion Show by Chona Pike Productions who will showcase her Filipiniana collection. Admission to SangDiwa 2015 is free. Suggested Donation of $5-$20 is appreciated. Proceeds from this event is to help fund future Arts & Culture events organized by the Global Filipino Network (GFN).

Global Filipino Network is a non-profit media organization whose mission is to give people the platform to learn, share, and create a collaborative and connected community. Its projects are focused on four(4) main areas: Entrepreneurship, Professional Development, Community Service, and Arts and Culture.

Manila Mail newspaper is the event’s print media partner and Philippine American Press Club, U.S.A. (PAPC-USA) is SangDiwa’s media sponsor.

For more information about the event please visit the event website at http://sangdiwa.globalfilipinonetwork.org.


Media Contact
Dulce Dizon, PR Director
ddizon@globalfilipinonetwork.org
408-904-9084